Twelve Circles by Max Wilson

Twelve Circles consists of three main sections, each following a mostly conventional harmonic language, but exploring the dissonant sounds as much as the tonal ones. The energetic rhythmic motifs found in the outer sections, minimalist in style, set up a groove whilst unexpected time signature changes trip up the pulse. The calmer inner section, with its modulating motifs, explores in detail the ‘circle of fifths’, a harmonic feature found twelve times in the piece, hence the title. Twelve Circles was commissioned by Eddy Hackett and is dedicated to Valerie Bloomfield Ambrose. It was premiered at the Reid Concert Hall, Edinburgh on 2nd February 2018.